Annual Roswell Roots Festival returns in February

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Wednesday, January 23, 2013 12:00 am

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Jonathan Copsey

ROSWELL, Ga. – The 12th annual Roswell Roots Festival is returning to Roswell throughout the month of February in celebration of Black History Month. Roswell Roots is the largest and most comprehensive Black History celebration in Georgia and features a variety of exhibits, cultural events and music performances.

Highlights of this year’s festival include:

Unity Concert featuring Soweta Street Beat Dance Theatre – Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Come hear the voices of choirs from several area churches, including Zion and Pleasant Hill as they perform their favorite selections. The Soweta Street Beat will perform unique dance and music styles that stem from South African ethnic groups.

Freddy Cole in concert – Feb. 15 at 8 p.m. at Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Cole does not apologize for sounding like his brother, Nat “King” Cole. While he plays piano, sings and performs live with guitar and upright bass just like Nat, he has emerged from the shadow cast by his elder brother. His vocals – suave, elegant, formidable and articulate – are among the most respected in jazz.

“Slammin’ in the Suburbs”: Roswell Poetry Slam – Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. at Roswell Historic Cottage. This is Roswell’s ninth annual poetry slam during which poets perform their work and are judged by members of the audience on content and presentation. Event includes an invitational round of competition amongst some of the region’s best spoken word artists. Hosted by award-winning spoken word artist, Ayodele Heath.

Second annual Cornbread Cook-Off – Saturday, Feb. 23 at 1 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Enter for the chance to win a prize for Best Cornbread, chosen by professional judge Chef Sonya Jones, owner of Sweet Auburn Bread Company. There will also be a People’s Choice Award chosen by attendees.

For a full listing of Roswell Roots events, visit www.roswellroots.com.